[TransAtlantic] New participant - I think!

[David Olean]

Hi Bob,
    I was a charter subscriber to VHF Horizons. I still have all the
issues!! I even built up a 7788 144 MHz converter.  When you worked all the
DX in New England in 1989, I was not at home here in Maine, and missed the
fun.
    I would like to have a remote internet connected 144 MHz receiver
somewhere on the Azores. It would provide a stimulus for people to try the
path with instant feedback. The next thing is for a real human to be there
on the island, and ready to make the QSO!

73
Dave Olean K1WHS

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bob Cooper" <skyking at clear.net.nz>
To: <transatlantic at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 9:38 PM
Subject: [TransAtlantic] New participant - I think!


> As an introduction to members of this group, I am licensed presently as
> ZL4AAA and K6EDX, hold 6 meter WAS #21 (K6EDX) and #278 (W5KHT). Operated
> as VP5D (49 states less Alaska but WAC several times); 26 states on 2
> meters from VP5 and hold one end of 'East Coast' 432 distance record. From
> ZL4AAA 40 6M states and WAC including VU2 long path across Africa,
> Atlantic, SA, Pacific (SSB and CW several times). Wrote QST Microwave
> Column in 80-81, Radio Electronics TV and FM DX column 1956-1961;
> publisher DXing Horizons and many more thereafter. Moved from VP5 to ZL1
> (despite the ZL4 call) 1990, operate only cable TV system in NZ and a
> regional FM radio network of 3 stations. Founded American Ionospheric
> Propagation Association - AIPA (try saying that without taking a breath!)
> 1954 and created world's first TV-FM DX monthly printed bulletin. Have
> authored 44 books, several thousand magazine articles, well past 30
> million words in print (i.e. VHF Horizons, Television Horizons, Commun
> ications Horizons, CATJ - Community Antenna Television Journal, CSD -
> Coop's Satellite Digest, SF - SatFACTS Monthly and this barely scratches
> the surface); enough, even for me! At almost 72 years of age pride is no
> longer an issue. Went to school with Mike (K6MYC) who remains a close
> friend, was doing 10 GHz in 1974 when it was still a Gunnplexer issue.
>
> VHF-UHF wave propagation? Covering the world of TV (and FM) DX as I have
> from 1956 onward, have been exposed to untold thousands of reports
> including lengthy exchanges with those enthusiasts. And have several
> strong opinions based upon this data base concerning what it will take to
> claim the Irish trophy. Two quick examples: KH6 to XE/W6/W7 is
> illustrative. As was seminal work done by a TV DXer in the mountains above
> Monterey (Mexico) a decade ago; leading to a brash statement: Large/huge
> high pressure areas bearing the potential for exceptional distance ducting
> are more easily understood if you closely study the physical location of
> each end - whether it is transmitter west end - receiver east end or vice
> versa (the two are not always reversible). In well over 50% of all
> KH6-mainland contacts or reports, the west end is elevation-high and the
> east end is elevation-low (even down to sea level). A reminder: W6NLZ and
> KH6UK were sent on their quest because Honolulu-SFO planes d
> uring the summer months frequently found the KH6 end 121 MHz signals
> overpowering the California signals as they dropped for the SFO runway and
> were between 800 and 1,200 feet. Fernando in Monterey had almost identical
> experiences logging several hundred UHF TV stations from essentially the
> entire east coast but only as far north as North Carolina - distances
> pushing 1,700 miles. Then there is the legendary observation by a W6 ham
> stationed on Terceira (Azores; Lajes Field) in the late 50s (or so the
> story goes); two solid days of high quality FM band reception from
> approximately Maryland to Maine using a very basic table-top FM radio
> connected to dipole in his near-sea- level quarters. And these are the tip
> of this particular berg. Repeating the to-me most obvious similarity in
> the reports: Within a large high pressure dome capable of layered ducting,
> the west end duct elevation tends to be 'high' while the east end gets
> right down to the deck a high percentage of the time.
>  No, not 100 but easily 50% and possibly as high as 70%.
>
> What this suggests, at least to me, is we begin our quest by searching out
> a suitable elevated western end launch site as well as a near-deck east
> end receptor QTH. If that suggests being at or near the water at
> essentially sea-level along the US east coast might not be where you
> should be - well, that's what I am saying. Also recall W6NLZ may have been
> properly located in the Palos Verdes Hills (~600') but Tommy (UK) was
> elevation-restricted (I believe) based upon how long it took for them to
> make it work (both ends were superbly equipped, capable of horizon-set EME
> by today's standards - whereas subsequently a 5-watt handheld to a 5
> element yagi at sea level has worked to KH6); had he been a couple of K
> feet higher - well, another story. Alternatives? Another day. 73, Bob
> Cooper K6EDX et al
>
> ...
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